Moretekorohunga Lloyd’s cultural journey into animation
The journey of Moretekorohunga Lloyd, Te Whakatōhea, Te Aupōuri, into the world of animation is deeply connected to his upbringing, which began in Christchurch but soon extended back to his papakainga in various parts of the Bay of Plenty. The family moved around Opotiki, Tirohanga, Ohope, Whakatane, Kaitaia, and Kawerau and settled in Napier. These experiences gave More a rich cultural blend to draw from as he was immersed in different communities and environments throughout his childhood.
In Napier, te reo Māori became the first language he learned. This early exposure to Māori cultural values has influenced his storytelling style, and his work has a unique perspective that blends Māori traditions with modern narratives. “My upbringing in Napier, surrounded by te reo and Māori culture, has given me a different perspective when approaching a story,” says More.
The spark of creativity: discovering a passion for animation
More’s love for art and drawing started from a young age. “I always have loved drawing. I’ve always loved art, and I’ve always been a very creative person.”
A school trip to Wellington during his senior year at Napier Boys High School made his decision. “When I was looking at universities, Massey University was advertised as one of the creative hubs. It’s in Wellington, which is one of the most beautiful creative cities in New Zealand. We took a trip there in Year 12, and we had a tour of Massey University and saw all the facilities, which really stuck with me!”
Navigating university life
At Massey, More studied for a Bachelor of Creative Media Productions in Animation, specialising in 2D Animation and Illustration. The academic learning and connections he made along the way shaped his future.
“I knew one of the motivations for coming into Massey was to meet people and make connections. I didn’t understand why it would be so important, but leaving the university, all those people, all of the work I’ve gotten has been through my connections at Massey. The tutors who have tutored me have recommended or given me jobs. Some of my peers have hired me to work on films and productions that they’re doing. The university did so well in building that network, creating an environment where we can connect and make interdisciplinary connections.”
The road to success in animation hasn’t always been smooth for More. “University was a great place, and it gave me the confidence to overcome huge challenges,” More reflects. “Even though I was inexperienced and felt overwhelmed at times, I knew I could overcome any obstacle because I had already faced many difficult situations during my degree.”
He recalls a challenging project during his university days. “I remember showing my tutor a project I had spent four months on, only to be told it was completely broken and I needed to start over from scratch. I was devastated and left the class in tears,” he shares. Over time, the issues had built up across multiple tutorials, leading to one big problem. “So, I had to rebuild everything from scratch, avoiding all the small mistakes that caused trouble earlier. In the end, while it wasn’t perfect, the final product turned out well. It really taught me resilience – learning to push through setbacks and start again when things don’t work out.”
Space Mates: a cultural and creative work
One of the most critical projects in More’s career is the creation of “Space Mates,” an animated sci-fi comedy that follows the out-of-this-world escapades of a steely young Māori woman and her low-fi DIY robotic mate. The duo from Aotearoa are swept through space on adventures with the ultimate quest to reach the brightest star.
“Space Mates was inspired by shows like Trigun, Cowboy Bebop, and Adventure Time. These shows are all about episodic adventures and the interactions between characters. We wanted Space Mates to have that same feeling of a close-knit whānau going on an epic journey together,” says More.
More’s role in the project was multifaceted – he was the Head of Story, main character rigger, 2D animator, and storyboard artist. His deep connection to Māori culture was reflected in every show aspect. “We tried hard to incorporate te reo Māori into Space Mates. The show’s foundations are heavily influenced by Māori culture, making it relatable for many Kiwis growing up in modern New Zealand.”
Since graduating, More has been working on various projects, many focusing on indigenous narratives and cultural storytelling. These collaborations include his work on the Mana Moana project, curated by Mike Busy and Rachael Rakena, which explores indigenous connections to the ocean through digital art, and a collaboration with Storybox for Te Papa’s Ahi Kaa installation, which celebrates Māori culture and history.
“Working on projects that positively impact indigenous communities is incredibly fulfilling. I get to use my skills in animation to contribute to something meaningful, which is what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Japanese anime and manga influence More’s animation and design style, particularly the works of Studio Ghibli, Shirochirō Watanabe, and the creators of Samurai Jack. “I love how anime and manga use simple shapes and colours to convey complex emotions and ideas, and I want to achieve that balance between complexity and simplicity in my work.”
Interacting with audiences
More enjoys those little moments when people interact with his work, and keeping motivated by the interactions between audiences and his work is his secret weapon for exploring new ideas and developing them.
“I really enjoy seeing people engage with the work I’ve created. I love crafting those moments of interaction that spark real thoughts and emotions in others. Whether through design, animation, or film, the goal is to communicate something meaningful. It’s wonderful to watch people experience those moments – laughing or crying along with the characters on screen.”
More advises aspiring animators and illustrators looking to incorporate their cultural heritage into their work: “Be curious and seek more answers! Build a good support system, and be ready for people who may not understand where you’re coming from or have difficulty understanding the perspectives you’re approaching a story from. Be confident of what you are trying to convey, and most importantly, be true to yourself!”